While the Macomb County Health Department reports the number of flu cases about average so far, that figures to be fool’s gold, said William Ridella, director and health officer for the health department.

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“It’s just a matter of time,” Ridella said. “We still encourage people to get vaccinated.”

Dr. James Larkin is director of emergency services at McLaren Macomb in Mount Clemens. He keeps up with health-related communications from the CDC, but he doesn’t need that facility to tell him what he sees daily in his emergency room.

“I worked the last three days and I bet I’ve seen 25 cases (of the flu),” Larkin said.

Like Ridella, Larkin urges people to get vaccinated against the flu. Different types of the disease can occur and recur in one season, and “the current vaccinations should protect you,” he said.

“I would encourage all people to get vaccinated,” said Larkin, a physician for 30 years. “I get a flu shot every year.”

Both the Macomb County and Oakland County health departments offer flu shots at multiple clinics they operate in each county.

Medicare Part B and Medicaid will cover the cost of the shots. For those without coverage, flu shots cost $15 and cash only is accepted.

“We’re having a very good response, but we still have vaccines available,” Ridella said.

In Oakland County, flu shots are available through the Oakland County Health Division at:

• North Oakland Health Center, County Service Center, 1200 North Telegraph, Building 34 East,

Pontiac; (248) 858-1280;

• South Oakland Health Center, 27725 Greenfield Road,

Southfield; (248) 424-7000.

Payment options are the same.

While flu shots are readily available, some figure the prevention is no better than the affliction. On its Facebook page, The Macomb Daily asked readers if they received a flu shot.

“Definitely not,” said Sondra Van Camp. “I have gotten the flu shot three times in my life and I still got the flu.”

Liz Eschmann Sergent agreed.

“No way,” she responded. “Why break the skin to infect you with something so your body builds up an immunity? Wash your hands, drink lots of fluids, get plenty of rest and exercise to fight off the flu.”

But Frank Meek sees it differently.

“Sure did (get a shot),” he wrote. “Wouldn’t go without.”

If you are among the unfortunate ones who contract the flu, time-honored advice like get plenty or rest, drink fluids and take over-the-counter medication is as good as any. But for most of us, the flu simply must run its course.